Observing Stories: Learning from Alejandro Toro
- Kristin Fiorvanti
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
As part of the Summer Fine Arts Academy, our Middle School students had the opportunity to meet illustrator, cartoonist, and writer Alejandro Toro, whose work explores storytelling through traditional drawing, painting, watercolor, ink, and comics. Born between cultures and having lived across Colombia, Mexico, the United States, Italy, France, and China, Alejandro brings a unique perspective to the stories he tells through images.
Our camp theme this year centered around the creative process: observe, experiment, transform, layer, and present. Alejandro's presentation helped students understand that observation is not simply about drawing what we see. It is also about paying attention to history, memory, emotion, and the subtle details that give a story meaning.
One of the most engaging discussions centered on how artists communicate ideas to viewers who may not immediately understand the subject matter. Alejandro shared examples of work inspired by Colombian history, including references to periods of conflict that many of our students were unfamiliar with. Rather than explaining every detail directly, his images rely on symbols, atmosphere, color, and composition to create a sense of curiosity. Students quickly recognized that even when viewers do not know the full story, visual clues can encourage them to ask questions and investigate further.
This led to an important conversation about mood. We discussed how color choices, materials, and mark-making influence the emotional tone of an image. Darker palettes, repeated forms, and dramatic contrasts created tension or unease, while softer colors and different materials could completely transform a viewer's experience. Students began to see that artistic choices are rarely accidental; every decision contributes to the story being told.
Perhaps most importantly, Alejandro demonstrated that storytelling is not limited to words. A single image can contain layers of information, inviting viewers to interpret, imagine, and connect the dots for themselves. Through observation and careful visual decision-making, artists create opportunities for dialogue between artwork and audience.
As our students continued developing their own projects throughout the week, Alejandro's visit encouraged them to think beyond simply making pictures. They began asking larger questions: What story am I telling? What clues am I leaving behind? How can color, symbolism, and composition help a viewer understand my ideas?
These are the kinds of questions that transform observation into storytelling—and storytelling into meaningful art.
To learn more about Alejandro's life and work, visit https://alejandro-toro.weeblysite.com/ or follow @alejotorocomic on Instagram.
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